Today in small businesses behaving badly, further proof that some business owners are getting a little overzealous when it comes to handling rising costs and inflation: Meet the $8 nectarine.

Billed as the "Blossom Bluff Nectarine" on the dessert menu at Bay Area resto Zuni, this sweet (if that's what you want to call it) was ordered by an unsuspecting patron who expected something more than a piece of fruit kicking around on a plate. Given that a nectarine typically doesn't cost more than a dollar or so even at toniest organic grocery stores, it wasn't unreasonable to believe that there would be something more. Skeptical? Check the photographic evidence:

While most consumers expect that inflation and the rising cost of goods will translate into slightly higher bills at the grocery store and restaurants, this goes beyond stretching the limits of what's reasonable. If you want to charge $8 for a piece of fruit, at least slice it. Maybe even throw a little mint on it. At least then you can plead expensive labor costs when customers start complaining.

(Chowhound via Consumerist)